Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Since 2004, a serious conflict has been happening in the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This fight involves many militant groups, such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and others who work with them. The conflict started when the Pakistan Army looked for members of Al-Qaeda in the mountains of Waziristan. This search led to big fights because many people in the area did not agree with the army's actions.

At first, this was called a war, but it later changed into an insurgency. The situation became even more difficult in 2007 when the army took control of a place called Lal Masjid in Islamabad. After that, the militant groups began more attacks across Pakistan.

Over time, the Pakistani military did many operations to stop these groups. One big operation, called Operation Zarb-e-Azb, pushed most of the fighters into Afghanistan. Since then, the fight has continued in secret ways, with small hidden groups carrying out attacks.

In 2017, Pakistan started building fences along its border with Afghanistan and set up many military bases. In 2018, a part of the country called FATA was joined with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to better manage the area. After the city of Kabul fell in August 2021, the militant groups grew stronger again, using Afghanistan as a base for more attacks on Pakistan. Experts say Pakistan has been greatly affected by these changes.

Background

Main articles: War in North-West Pakistan order of battle and South Waziristan District

After a big battle in 2002, the army of Pakistan started sending soldiers to areas near the border. Some people in the country did not like this, especially leaders of political groups. For the first time since 1947, soldiers went into places like the Tirah Valley and North Waziristan.

As more soldiers arrived, some local tribes began to feel treated unfairly. In late 2003, there were even attempts on the life of the country's leader, Pervez Musharraf. The army kept trying to control the area, but it was very hard. By early 2005, the government decided to try talking instead of fighting.

Outbreak of fighting

Further information: Operation al-Mizan, Battle of Wanna, and 2004 in Pakistan

In March 2004, a big battle happened in the mountains of South Waziristan between the Pakistan Army and foreign fighters from Al-Qaeda. The army thought they might have surrounded a very important leader but did not catch him. After a week, the army captured the area and arrested around 400 fighters.

More army troops were sent to stop people from crossing the border into Pakistan. Soldiers found many hidden caves and tunnels that the fighters used. Some of these tunnels might have led to Afghanistan. Later in 2004, a new leader was appointed to help manage the army’s efforts in the area.

Peace agreements

In April 2004, Pakistan signed a peace agreement with some fighters in South Waziristan, but it did not last long. Another agreement in February 2005 brought some calm, but fighting continued. By 2007, the violence grew, and the army realized that their strategy was not working well.

Conflict in the tribal areas (2005-2006)

Further information: 2005 in Pakistan and 2006 in Pakistan

In 2005, special forces from Pakistan tried to capture an important leader of a group called Al-Qaeda near the town of Mardan. This leader was thought to be one of the top members of the group.

In 2006, the United States carried out an airstrike in a village near the border with Afghanistan. The strike was aimed at a leader but instead caused the deaths of many people, including children and women.

Ceasefire

Also in 2006, militants in North Waziristan claimed to have shot down a military helicopter, though the government said it crashed due to technical problems. The same day, militants attacked and killed some police officers on a road.

Waziristan peace accord

Further information: Waziristan Accord

Later in 2006, a peace agreement was signed between tribal leaders, militants, and the Pakistani government to stop fighting. The agreement promised help rebuilding infrastructure and promised that foreign fighters would not be allowed to use the area for harmful activities.

2006 Madrassah air strike

Main articles: Chenagai airstrike and 2006 Dargai bombing

In October 2006, the United States carried out another airstrike targeting a school in the Bajaur region. This attack caused many deaths among students. In response, militants tried to attack a security base but failed. Later, there was a bombing at a military base that caused many casualties among soldiers.

Insurgency in the north, 2007

Further information: 2007 in Pakistan, Terrorist incidents in Pakistan in 2007, and Timeline of the insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2007)

In 2007, the northern region faced a growing fight against militant groups. President Musharraf faced increasing pressure from these groups. In March, his government made a peace agreement with Fakir Mohamad, a main militant leader in Bajaur. Militant groups held control over three districts in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas: South Waziristan, North Waziristan, and Bajaur Agency.

Waziri–Uzbek tensions

Main articles: East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan

In South Waziristan, fighters from Uzbekistan became more active. These fighters included former soldiers from the Soviet Union. In 2007, fights broke out between these Uzbek fighters and local militant groups after a fighter named Saiful Adil was killed. Some reports say the fighting started when a local leader told the Uzbek fighters to disarm.

Defeat of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan

Main article: Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan

In 2007, military reports showed why the Uzbek fighters were strong in the area. Local people were afraid to fight them because the Uzbeks were known as tough fighters with strong military skills. Some had been soldiers in the Soviet Army, and others had training from the CIA. They had nowhere else to go, so they stayed in Waziristan. Local tribesmen fought back, and in March 2007, heavy fighting happened. Many people were killed on both sides.

Lal Masjid siege and truce broken

Main articles: Siege of Lal Masjid, Waziristan Accord, and July 2007 Pakistan bombings

In July 2007, a serious fight happened near Lal Masjid in Islamabad. Students from the mosque clashed with police, leading to a siege that lasted until July 11. This event caused more fights between militant groups and the Pakistani army. Attacks happened in Waziristan against army troops, and many soldiers and civilians were hurt or killed.

Operation Rah-e-Haq

Main article: First Battle of Swat

By late 2007, heavy fighting also happened in Swat district between government forces and militants who wanted to impose strict Islamic law. The military sent troops to fight back, and after weeks of fighting, they took back control of Swat. However, militants returned over the next months.

2007 Rawalpindi bombings and state of emergency

Main articles: September 2007 bombings in Rawalpindi and 2007 Pakistani state of emergency

In September 2007, two bombings happened in Rawalpindi, targeting military buses. Many people were killed, including soldiers and civilians. Later in November, another bombing happened, killing more military officers. These events led to President Musharraf declaring a state of emergency in November 2007.

2008 general election

Main articles: Assassination of Benazir Bhutto and 2008 Pakistani general election

On December 27, 2007, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was killed after leaving a political rally in Rawalpindi. Her death led to widespread violence across the country, with many people hurt or killed. Different groups blamed each other for the attack.

Escalation of the conflict and Pakistan's military response

Further information: 2008 in Pakistan

In January 2008, foreign fighters took control of Sararogha Fort and possibly another fort in Ladah, both in South Waziristan. These forts were held by the Pakistan Army. After the 2008 general elections, the army’s fighting ability was weakened under President Musharraf, and many in the media questioned the army’s role in national politics. On 25 February 2008, a bombing in the garrison town of Rawalpindi killed top military medical leader Lieutenant-General Mushtaq Baig, two soldiers, and five civilians.

Musharraf was soon replaced by General Ishfaq Pervez Kiani as chief of army staff. Events led by successful movements pushed Musharraf to downfall, followed by an impeachment movement led by Prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani that ousted Musharraf from the presidency in 2008. The new socialist government led by Prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani of the PPP made critical decisions and appointments in the key combatant staff of the armed forces, including the new chief of naval staff (Admiral Noman Bashir) and endorsing air chief marshal Rao Soleman as chief of air staff; all in late 2008.

The newly appointed Chairman Joint Chiefs General Tariq Majid formalised a plan and strategy to tackle the insurgency. He emphasised the role of all services working together to fight the insurgency with full force. His plan was submitted to Prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani who approved the new strategy, which followed the new order of battle and new deployments of combat units of joint army–navy–air force in the north-western region. Military leadership under General Kayani vowed to take the fight against militancy to its logical end. General Kayani initiated series of military campaigns in different regions of North-West that had fallen into the hands of militants beginning with Operation Sherdil aimed to flush out militants from Bajaur Agency. Overall, Kayani's tenure witnessed nine major operations and recaptured almost 90% of the lost territories of the North-Western Frontier Province and FATA. The last remaining agency of North Waziristan and parts of Khyber Agency were recaptured by 2016 by Kayani's successors General Raheel Sharif and Qamar Javed Bajwa. Thus, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani’s tenure considered pivotal in Pakistan's fight against terrorism during which Pakistan swift its gear from defensive to the offensive mode.

Operation Zalzala

Main article: Operation Zalzala

After a brief intense change in chain of command in the Pakistan Armed Forces, a full-fledged military operation called Zalzala (lit. earthquake) was undertaken by 14th Army Division in January with the goal of flushing out Baitullah Mehsud’s TTP fighters from the area. The area had previously been a more or less safe zone for militants, with some villagers providing them support and shelter. The operation resulted in tactical success and scores of militants were killed during the operation, and within three days the armed forces were in full control of the area. The army later captured a few other villages and small towns as part of their attempt to pressure Baitullah Mehsud.

However, the operation led to a huge displacement of local population and the local Emanzai Tribe. About 200,000 men, women and children, were displaced. Khalid Aziz, former chief secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and expert on tribal affairs, said the displacement was "one of the biggest in tribal history".

Bajaur offensive

Main article: Battle of Bajaur

Earlier on 7 February 2008, the TTP had offered a truce to Musharraf and peace negotiations resulting in a suspension of violence. On 21 May 2008, the Government signed a peace agreement with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Despite the agreement sporadic fighting continued until late June and escalated with the takeover of the town of Jandola on 24 June, by the militants. Around 22 pro-government tribal fighters were captured and executed by the TTP at that time. On 28 June 2008, Pakistan Army started another offensive against militia fighters in Kyhber, codenamed Sirat-e-Mustaqeem (lit. Righteous Path). The military took control of a key town and demolished an insurgent group's building. In this offense, one militant was reportedly killed while two soldiers died in Swat valley. The operation was halted in early July. On 19 July 2008, clashes erupted between the TTP and a faction of pro-government Taliban militants. The fighting ended with 10–15 of the pro-government fighters were killed and another 120 were captured. Among the captured were two commanders who were tried under "Islamic" law by the Taliban and then executed.

On 21 July 2008, heavy fighting with another Militant group, the BLA in Baluchistan Province, killed 32 militants, 9 soldiers and 2 civilians. More than two dozen militants were captured and a large weapons cache was found. Between 28 July and 4 August 2008, heavy fighting flared up in the northwestern Swat valley leaving 94 militants, 28 civilians and 22 soldiers and policemen, were dead.

On 6 August 2008, the heavy ground fighting erupted in the Loisam area of the Bajaur District. The Loisam lies on the strategically important road leading towards the main northwestern city of Peshawar. The fighting started when hundreds of foreign fighters poured into the area and began attacking armed forces. After four days of fighting on 10 August 2008, the military was forced to withdraw from the area. It resulted in confirmed killing of 100 militants and 9 soldiers, and another 55 soldiers were missing, at least three dozen of them captured by the militants. While the fighting was going on in Bajaur, in the Buner area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, the militants killed at least nine policemen in an attack on a check post. The checkpoint was then abandoned, and the army troops withdrew to Khar, the main town of Bajaur Agency. There were reports that the town of Khar was then besieged by tribal militants.

On 21 August 2008, in response to the military offensive in Bajaur, two attackers struck the POF Laboratories in Wah while workers were changing shifts. The attack killed at least 70 people.

Tensions between tribal militias and the Pakistani Taliban

As military retreat from Bajaur Agency, the Pakistani tribal elders began organising a private army of approximately 30,000 tribesmen to fight the TTP, with the support of the Provincial government in September 2008. This local private military company, known as lashkar (lit. brigade), had composed of Pakistani tribesmen who began burning the houses of militant commanders in Bajaur and vowed to fight them until they are expelled. During this campaign, the Lashkar torched the house of local militant commander named Naimatullah, who had occupied several government schools and converted them into seminaries. A tribal elder named Malik Munsib Khan quoted in media that tribes would continue their struggle until the foreign fighters were expelled from the area, adding that anyone found sheltering militants would be fined one million rupees and their houses will be burned. The tribesmen also torched two important centres of local militant activity and gained control of tribal areas.

One of the main motivations for this activity was the operations that were taking place in the FATA that had displaced some 300,000 people while dozens of citizens had been killed in clashes between the militants and military. Since the start of operations against the foreign fighters, some 150,000 tribesmen have sided with them.

The American military proposals outlined an intensified effort to enlist tribal leaders in the frontier areas of Pakistan in the fight against Al-Qaeda. The proposal was modelled in part on a similar effort by American forces in Iraq that had been hailed as a great success in fighting foreign insurgents there. But it raised the question of whether such partnerships can be forged without a significant American military presence in Pakistan. The American military raised great questions whether it is enough support can be found among the tribes. Small numbers of high-ranking officers of American military have served as advisers to the Pakistan Armed Forces in the tribal areas, giving planning advice and helping to integrate American intelligence. Under this new approach, the number of advisers had to increase.

The U.S. Government said these security improvements complemented a package of assistance from the U.S. AID for the seven districts of the tribal areas that amounted to $750 million over five years, and would involve work in education, health and other sectors. The BINLEA of the U.S. Government also assisted the Frontier Corps with financing for counter-narcotics work.

Islamabad Marriott Hotel bombing

Main article: Islamabad Marriott Hotel bombing

In 2008, Al-Qaeda struck its largest terrorist attack in Islamabad when a truck bomb targeted the Marriott Hotel. This attack was a defining moment in the war; 54 people were killed and around 266 others injured. In a response to attack on 23 September 2008, the PAF launched its aerial bombing mission which resulted in ultimate success. Military reports indicating that more than 60 insurgents were killed in northwest Pakistan. In the nearby Bajur tribal region, the air force strikes killed at least 10 militants, according to government officials. The Bajur operations, which the army said left more than 700 suspected militants dead, won praise from U.S. officials.

Renewed Bajaur offensive

They [Taliban militants] never see us on the ground. The only time they find out that an aircraft has struck is when the bomb explodes on them. It creates a great psychological impact....

— Chief of Air Staff Air chief marshal Rao Qamar Suleman

In a television emergency address, President Zardari and Prime Minister Gillani publicly vowed revenge in response to the Marriott Hotel bombing. By 26 September 2008, Pakistan air force and army had successfully conducted and completed a major joint offensive in the Bajaur and the Tang Khata regions of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, codenamed Operation Sherdil. This joint operation had killed over 1,000 militants in a huge offensive, a day after President Asif Ali Zardari lashed out at US forces over a clash on the Afghan border.

Major-General Tariq Khan, now Inspector General of the Frontier Corps, mentioned to journalists that since the beginning of the Bajaur operations, there were up to 2,000 militant fighters including hundreds of foreign fighters who were fighting with the soldiers and the armed forces. The overall death toll was over 1,000 militants and also adding that 27 Pakistani soldiers had also been killed with 111 soldiers seriously wounded.

In this major aerial offense, five of the most wanted Al-Qaeda operatives and Central Asian militant commanders were among those killed in a month-long operation in Bajaur. According to PAF reports, "out of the five militant commanders killed, four appeared to be foreigners: Egyptian abu Saeed Al-Masri; Abu Suleiman, also an Arab; an Uzbek fighter named Mullah Mansoor; and an Afghan commander called Manaras. The fifth was a Pakistani commander named only Abdullah, a son of aging hardline leader Maulvi Faqir Mohammad who is based in Bajaur and has close ties to Al-Qaeda second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Between 22 and 24 October, the armed forces engaged in another hard-push against militants in the restive Bajaur and Khyber tribal regions. The army troops did not enter in the region until the PAF conducted its precision bombings. The PAF intense high-altitude air strikes missions were carried out in the Nawagai and Mamond sub-districts of Bajaur Agency. The advancing troops destroyed several centers of militants at Charmang, Chinar and Zorbandar and inflicted heavy losses on them. The army gunship helicopters shelled in Charming, Cheenar, Kohiand Babarha areas of Nawagai and Mamund Tehsil of Bajaur agency, destroying various underground hideouts and bunkers of militants. The armed forces also took control of different areas of Loisam, a militant headquarters, and advanced towards other areas for complete control.

Intensified drone strikes and border skirmishes with the United States

Main articles: American drone strikes in Pakistan and Shamsi Airfield

At the end of August 2008, the USAF stepped up its air attacks in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. On 3 September 2008, the United States Army Special Forces teams laid a commando attack in a village near the Afghan border in South Waziristan. Additional airstrikes from unmanned drones in North Waziristan culminating on 8 September 2008, when a United States Air Force drone aircraft fired a number of missiles at a "guest house for militants arriving in North Waziristan." Around ~23 people were killed, but the operation's target, Jalaluddin Haqqani, was not among them.

On 25 September 2008, the Pakistan military and the U.S. military became involved in heavy border fighting on the Frontier border. The incident happened after two US military helicopters came under fire from Pakistan army troops. A U.S. military spokesman insisted that they had been about 2.5 kilometres (1+1⁄2 miles) inside Afghanistan. Speaking at the United Nations, President Asif Zardari maintained that Pakistan would not tolerate violations of its sovereignty, even by its allies. President Zardari told the United Nations, "Just as we will not let Pakistani's territory to be used by terrorists for attacks against our people and our neighbours, we cannot allow our territory and our sovereignty to be violated by our friends", he said, without specifically citing the United States or the border flareup.

Militant targeting of tribes

On 10 October 2008, TTP militants beheaded four kidnapped pro-government tribal elders in the Charmang area of Bajaur.

On 11 October 2008, an attacker struck an anti-militant gathering of tribal elders just as they had decided to form a lashkar (tribal militia). At least 110 anti-Taliban tribesmen were killed and a further 125 were wounded. The attacker drove his car into the gathering itself and blew himself up. The attack on the tribal council took place in Orakzai, normally a relatively quiet corner of the nation's chaotic tribal areas.

Fighting for NATO supply lines

Main articles: NATO logistics in the Afghan War and Northern Distribution Network

On 19 October 2008, the news media began to broadcast the news of Pakistan Army troops, led by an army lieutenant, being locked in a fierce battle with foreign militants to keep open the line routes to NATO forces in Afghanistan. For several months, the foreign militants had been trying to either attack or seal off the supply routes. The army battle reports indicated that the local commander, Mohammad Tariq al-Fridi, had seized terrain around the 1.5-kilometre-long (1 mi) Kohat Tunnel. The military intelligence reports had held al-Fridi responsible for coordinated suicide bomb attacks and rocket strikes against convoys emerging from it. The TTP spokesman, Maulvi Omar, claimed that his foreign fighters would lay down their arms if the Pakistan Army ceased intense fighting. The military refused his offers and a tactical military operation was launched to secure the tunnel routes after TTP seized five trucks carrying weapons and ammunition. They held the tunnel for a week before they were driven out in fierce fighting with the military. Since then, Tariq and his men have returned several times to attack convoys, in a response, the army launched its latest onslaught after a suicide bomb attack at one of its bases near the tunnel six weeks ago. In a massive manhunt operation, Tariq was killed along with hundreds of militants while trying to flee the battle in a combat air operation. The operation ended with five civilians were killed and 45 were injured, including 35 soldiers, when a pickup truck packed with explosives was driven into a checkpoint.

On 11 November 2008, another group of militants attacked two convoys at the Khyber Pass capturing 13 trucks which were headed for Afghanistan. One convoy was from the United Nations World Food Programme and was carrying wheat. The second was intended for NATO troops and one of the captured trucks was carrying with it two U.S. military Humvees, which were also seized.

On 8 December 2008, the militants torched more than 160 vehicles destined for US-led troops in Afghanistan. The militants attacked the Portward Logistic Terminal (PTL) in the northern city of Peshawar at around 2:30 a.m., destroying its gate with a rocket-propelled grenade and shooting dead a guard. They then set fire to about 100 vehicles, including 70 Humvees, which shipping documents showed were being shipped to the U.S.-led coalition forces and the Afghan National Army. At the same time, militants torched about 60 more vehicles at the nearby Faisal depot, which like Portward is on the ring road around Peshawar, where convoys typically stop before heading for the Khyber Pass. On 3 February 2009, the militant group again blew up a bridge at the Khyber Pass, temporarily cutting a major supply line for Western troops in Afghanistan. After the attack supplies along the route had been halted "for the time being", according to NATO.

Public support and unified military operations

Further information: 2009 in Pakistan and Joint warfare

Swat ceasefire

Main article: Nizam-e-Adl Regulation 2009

Since 2008–09, military leaders had been planning joint operations against militant groups. During this time, the government agreed to introduce special laws and temporarily paused military actions in the Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. This decision worried leaders in neighboring countries, who believed it might help militant groups.

The government said this agreement was the only way to calm a strong rebellion and avoid more harm to civilians in Swat Valley, a place once known for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions. Local leaders announced that Islamic law would be applied across Malakand Division, which includes Swat. The government said the country’s leader would approve the deal once peace was restored. However, the agreement was never signed after the militant groups broke the truce.

The agreement came after the militants in Swat said they would pause fighting for ten days to support peace efforts. Pakistani officials said the new laws would let religious leaders give advice to judges but would not stop girls from going to school, stop music, or bring back other strict rules once used in Afghanistan.

Defeat of the militants in Bajaur

On 1 March 2009, Pakistani troops defeated foreign fighters in Bajaur, an important area near the border with Afghanistan. After a six-month battle, the army reported that most militants in Bajaur were defeated, though many soldiers were also hurt or lost during the fighting.

In response, militant groups attacked a police training center, taking some officers hostage. Police forces worked together to regain control of the center. The attack lasted about eight hours and resulted in several deaths, including police officers, militants, and civilians. Many police officers were injured, and some militants were captured.

Militant violation of Swat ceasefire

Main article: Second Battle of Swat

In March 2009, a video showed militant groups punishing a young person in Swat for refusing a marriage suggestion. This caused many people across Pakistan to protest against these actions. A leader spoke out, saying such punishments had no place in Islamic teachings.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan looked into the video and decided it had been faked, causing some questions about the country’s intelligence services.

Operation Black Thunderstorm

Main article: Operation Black Thunderstorm

On 26 April 2009, Pakistan’s military began a major operation called Black Thunderstorm to take back areas from militant groups. This joint operation involved the army, navy, and air force working together. Aircraft attacked hiding places while ground troops moved in.

The operation successfully cleared many areas by early May. By the end of May, the military had taken back the main city in Swat. Though some fighting continued, the military had regained control of the region by mid-June. The operation caused many people to leave their homes, but most had returned by August.

Blockade of South Waziristan

Main article: Operation Rah-e-Nijat

After taking back the Swat Valley, the military prepared for operations in South Waziristan. In June 2009, the military announced a major offensive against militant groups in this area. The operation involved thousands of troops and began with air strikes.

In October 2009, the military launched Operation Rah-e-Nijat, advancing into South Waziristan from several directions. After weeks of fighting, the military took control of several towns. By December 2009, the military announced victory in South Waziristan.

Death of Baitullah Mehsud and TTP counter-attacks

In August 2009, a leader of the militant groups was killed. After his death, the group carried out many bombings across Pakistan to show they were still strong and to disrupt military plans. These attacks targeted offices, markets, and other important places in several cities. The year ended with many bombings, including one in Peshawar that caused many civilian deaths.

Military offensive (2010–2017)

Insurgency in West and defeat of Taliban: 2010–11

Main articles: Orakzai and Kurram offensive and 2010 in Pakistan

In 2010, the army fought in Bajaur against militant groups. By April, the area was peaceful. In March, the army began fighting in Orakzai, planning more operations nearby. By June, they had defeated the fighters there.

Death of Bin Laden and Navy offensive

Main articles: PNS Mehran Operation and Operation Madad (Pakistan Navy)

In 2010, the navy helped fight hidden camps of militant groups. In May 2011, a U.S. operation killed a leader of a group that worked with these fighters. Later in 2011, attacks happened at a navy base, leading to strong responses from the navy.

Tirah Valley clashes

In early 2013, fights between different militant groups caused many deaths and forced many people to leave their homes. The army started an operation to bring peace before elections.

Operation Rah-e-Shahadat

Main article: Operation Rah-e-Shahadat

In April 2013, the army began an operation to remove fighters from the Tirah Valley. There were many battles, and both soldiers and fighters were hurt or killed during the operation.

Operation Khyber

Main article: Operation Khyber

Disengagement of militant groups

Reports said that some militant groups moved to Syria to fight in another conflict.

North Waziristan offensive

In December 2013, the army started an operation in North Waziristan after a attack on a checkpoint.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan infighting

In 2014, different parts of the same militant group fought each other for leadership.

Operation Zarb-e-Azb

Main article: Operation Zarb-e-Azb

In June 2014, the army started a big operation in North Waziristan against many militant groups. Thousands of soldiers took part. By 2016, many fighters were killed, and the area was made safer. Unfortunately, there were also losses on the soldiers' side during these operations.

Continued insurgency

After efforts to remove militant groups failed, these groups hid in small, secret groups across the country. Although terrorism decreased, these hidden groups still threatened Pakistan’s safety. The TTP and its allies started Operation Ghazi to show they were unhappy with Pakistan’s military actions in the northwest. In response, Pakistan’s army began Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad.

By 2025, the TTP had become more active, threatening Pakistan’s goal to become a strong military power in South Asia. They focused on attacking security forces but avoided harming civilians to prevent anger from local people. Despite using drone strikes and special operations, Pakistan’s military faced many losses, and the presence of other militant groups in the area made control harder. A senior expert warned that the TTP was growing stronger, which could weaken Pakistan’s control and its influence in the region.

In October 2025, the chief leader of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa blamed the national government for allowing militancy to return, saying their policies were wrong and they did not provide needed funds or support to fight these groups.

Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad

Main article: Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad

In 2017, the fighting slowed down, but serious attacks still happened. In February 2017, a large attack in Sehwan, Sindh, killed many people. In response, the Pakistan Army started Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad to stop terrorism and build on past successes. This operation focused on finding and stopping hidden militant groups across the whole country, not just in one area. It included efforts by different forces in various regions to improve border security and control explosives.

Because of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, the TTP lost many members and split into smaller groups, making them less effective. By 2019, Pakistan saw its safest year since the fighting began in 2004, with a big drop in suicide attacks. However, the operation did not fully stop extremism, and after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, terrorism increased again.

Afghanistan–Pakistan border barrier

Main article: Afghanistan–Pakistan border barrier

To help protect gains from past military actions, Pakistan began building a fence along its border with Afghanistan in 2017. By August 2021, most of the fence—made of tall chain-link fences with sharp wire in between—was finished.

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

Main article: Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

Background

Although Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad succeeded in fighting terrorism, it did not address the roots of extremism. After the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, the TTP grew stronger again with new members, weapons, and safe places. In 2023, terrorism increased in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the TTP ended a pause in fighting.

Approval and Launch

In April 2023, Pakistan’s leaders decided to start a new operation to remove militants threatening western regions. In June 2024, they approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam to address extremism and terrorism fully. This operation includes military action and efforts to improve lives and reduce extremism.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explained that this operation would not be large-scale like past ones, as there were no areas where the government had no control anymore. The goal is to strengthen the National Action Plan and bring lasting peace.

Operation Sarbakaf

Main article: Operation Sarbakaf

Operation Sarbakaf began on 29 July 2025 in Bajaur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to target hidden militant groups. The operation used helicopters and artillery, and curfews were put in place in several villages. There were reports of civilian casualties during these operations, including a mortar strike that killed a woman and her two children, and an airstrike that killed many civilians, including women and children. In June 2025, Amnesty International expressed concern about the rising use of drone strikes and the safety of civilians.

Peace prospects and developments

Since 2006, the government has worked to rebuild areas affected by conflict in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Efforts included building roads, supporting local banks, and helping people find jobs. About 1 billion Pakistani rupees were used to help those who had to leave their homes, and another 500 million went to support the local government's work.

Many groups, both from Pakistan and around the world, helped with these efforts. These included the United Nations, the U.S. government, and several Pakistani agencies focused on rebuilding and supporting the economy. Big projects, like building dams and roads, were started to improve the area. Schools were repaired, and many young people were given the chance to join the army for education and training.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa-FATA Merger

Since Pakistan became independent in 1947, some areas known as FATA were governed differently from the rest of the country. In 2018, a change in the country's rules merged FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This brought these areas under the same local government rules as the rest of the province. New police officers were trained and sent to these areas to help keep things peaceful.

Casualties

Main article: List of terrorist incidents in Pakistan since 2001

See also: List of Militants fatality reports in Pakistan

In reports to lawmakers in 2011, officials shared that about 3,097 soldiers and workers were lost, with another 721 left unable to work, during efforts against harmful groups. Many more people across Pakistan, both in safety jobs and everyday life, faced serious dangers during these years.

Reports also mention that many fighters from these groups were either caught or lost during the fights. Over many years, thousands of people from all sides were part of these difficult events.

Issues with war veterans

Pakistan does not have a special group to help people who have served in its army, unlike some other countries such as the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of these soldiers come from poor families in rural areas and are often forgotten after they join the army. Because there is no support system for them after their service, some think they face challenges similar to those faced by Vietnam veterans. Leaders rarely talk about these soldiers, as people do not often discuss the difficulties they face when they return to everyday life. How to help these veterans rejoin society remains an unsolved problem.

United States role

Main articles: List of drone strikes in Pakistan, Pakistan–United States skirmishes, War on terror, United States military aid, United States Foreign Military Financing, and Pakistan–United States military relations

The United States had a difficult time dealing with feelings against America in Pakistan, especially after certain events involving American workers. Many people in Pakistan felt very negative about the United States because of military actions like drone strikes that started under President George W. Bush and continued under President Barack Obama. These actions were part of efforts to fight terrorism, but they caused a lot of anger among many Pakistanis.

Economics and cost of war

See also: Economy of Pakistan and U.S. aid to Pakistan

The war had a big negative effect on Pakistan's economy. Experts said the conflict hurt the country very much, costing billions of dollars. The economy suffered, with less money being invested and jobs becoming harder to create. Some leaders called the United States' role in these events very harmful to Pakistan's economy.

From 2001 to 2010, Pakistan received a lot of money from the United States to help with fighting terrorism and for other support. In 2009, President Obama promised more help for Pakistan's economy over the next five years. He also talked about working more closely with Pakistan to fight dangerous groups near the border with Afghanistan.

In popular culture

Main articles: The Glorious Resolve, Khuda Kay Liye, and Waar

Some movies have shown stories about the conflicts in this area. These films help people understand more about what has happened there.